UTM Primary Elections: Drama, postponments, bloodshed

A spot check into Thursday's much publicised UTM's national primary elections shows that the polls have been marred by poor organisation and to a large extent, a low turn out of both delegates and contestants. In Mzuzu Central constituency for example, the polls were delayed for hours on end as owner of the venue barred the party from using his premises.

04January

In Lilongwe City constituency for example, reports indicate that the party's Presidential candidate Saulos Chiuma has only amassed a meagre 326 votes.

Further to this, reports reaching MBC indicate that several shadow MPs have gone unopposed, with many other contestants failing to turn up for the polls.

Despite its earlier commitment to hold the polls in all districts, reports indicate that UTM has failed to hold the primaries in Ntchisi, Likoma, Dowa and Salima districts. It is a development which many say questions the popularity of the party, while others are arguing that UTM does not have solid grassroot structures.

Meanwhile in Blantyre City South constituency, incumbent Legislator who is also Deputy National Organising Secretary for UTM Allan Ngumuya has lost to a football official Mabvuto Missi.

There was more drama in Mulanje Central constituency as the two competitors commedian Manganya Michael Usi and Damson Chilewani went to different centres for the same primary polls and each of them is claiming victory at the centres they reported.